I will be traveling to Belize over New Years for my honeymoon. So far, we are booked for 5 nights at Victoria House. We want to spend 3 nights on on the mainland- but having a hard time finding accomodations available due to holiday peak season. We were looking into Maruba- have heard bad and good things- has anyone stayed there recently?? Looking for some feedback- we would stay there for the first 3 nights of our trip. Since this is our honeymoon- we want something that is romantic, relaxing and has nice accomodations. FYI- Chaa Creek is booked up.

A group of my friends and I stayed there overnight. We all loved it, the food, the spa treatments (honey; magic clays; flowers). We are all women who love pampering as well as adventuring and it was pretty luxe and very Belize/Beautiful Jungle ambience.

I've heard people praise Maruba and I cannot really comment on actually staying there as I have only had a massage there which was by no means relaxing to me. Without going into great detail I guess the only comment I can make is that it depends on you. I didn't think the food there was that great and if you really look at the ads for Maruba it really advertises eroticism. I think it might be worth a try if nothing more than to say you tried it and go with an open mind. I at least have an (although not that funny at the time) story to tell my grandchildren about grandmas experience at Maruba.

Ditto that KathyMLT. I did not care for the food,at all, or the massage.

Never stayed there but visited a couple times.
Have to admit it is a beautiful setting.The Belikin was as good there as anywhere else in Belize. :p

Well, I don't know about the advertised eroticism mentioned by KathyMLT, we didn't get that particular massage maybe. We all plan to return to Maruba for the clay treatment again though.

Perhaps eroticism is the only cardiovascular program available at Maruba's.

I believe they offer hiking and ruins touring packages as well.

Maruba is a world class resort and spa, its elegant and very slow paced.......perfect for the advanced travelers/tourists whom love pampering.

Check back with Chaa Creek they recently added two rooms to their inventory starting in November.

I haven't stayed at Maruba either but I found the whole place totally over-rated. I paid the most money for the worst massage I have ever had anywhere in the world (I have massages everywhere I go). I found the grounds, especially pool area to be very pretty but thought lunch was over-priced too.

I have a friend that just loves Maruba. She makes sure that she goes every time she is in Belize (a few times a year). I suspect that she also enjoys some of the "eroticism". Myself, I must have missed that, though I have to admit, getting the honey washed off was kind of interesting.

Ok...I'm adding my 2cents...it's a thumbs down on Maruba. As far as "eroticism". When i was there (2 years ago) they had a collection of....hmmm...how to put this delicately....male organs...made from wood...all over the reception area and gift shop (some sort of collection?).very odd. It wasn't just that...i found the rooms to need a really good cleaning....very dusty....the water smelled & the preasure was bad. Fod was ok. All in all it wasn't a great experiance...now...that was 2 years ago...i don't know about it now.

oops....Food was ok....duh 8-)

I have had mixed reports about Maruba from various clients. I have never stayed there just visited for the day.
If you are looking for spa services, try Chaa Creek, or for less $$ Crystal Paradise now has some spa type services.

Seashell - for the BEST massage EVER, go to Taos, NM and look up Ana Chavez - Taos Rocks Hot Stone Therapy. I can put you in touch with her if you are ever in the area. Unbelievable!

How about Duplooys or Five Sisters? If you would like addl info email me at lynn@magnumbelize.com

Well, I was fortunate to stay at Maruba spa for 2 nights back in May of 2001. I had the best massage I have ever had there. I believe it might depend on the person giving the massage. I also thought the food was very good - the best being dinner with wild game being one of the choices on the menu. The Viper Rum at the bar is an experience unto itself.

So, it all depends on the person I guess.

No, it boils down to, do you like hibiscus, like everywhere, or not! And if you like clean bathrooms rather than smelly stuff in your room! To each their own.

Yes, the decor is very unusual - more "jungle style". They do put fresh Hibiscus flowers all around the room. Each room has a CD player with unique music compilations which is playing as you enter your room.

As for the "erotic" theme - I think if you want more of that experience you can arrange for a massage treatment together. The massage rooms are really cool.

Maruba arranged for my trip to Altun Ha, and we went in the morning and avoided the large groups who would get there later. They also offer a jungle walk and horseback riding. There's also a shuttle that you can arrange to pick you up and return you back to BZE.

Good luck - I'm sure you'll find just the place that suits you.